ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero Service Manual

ROG MAXIMUS X HERO

Motherboard

E13274

First Edition

August 2017

Copyright © 2017 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.

SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.

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Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software

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Where the applicable license entitles you to the source code of such software and/or other additional data, you may obtain it for a period of three years after our last shipment of the product, either

(1)for free by downloading it from https://www.asus.com/support/

or

(2)for the cost of reproduction and shipment, which is dependent on the preferred carrier and the location where you want to have it shipped to, by sending a request to:

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

Legal Compliance Dept.

15 Li Te Rd.,

Beitou, Taipei 112

Taiwan

In your request please provide the name, model number and version, as stated in the About Box of the product for which you wish to obtain the corresponding source code and your contact details so that we can coordinate the terms and cost of shipment with you.

The source code will be distributed WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY and licensed under the same license as the corresponding binary/object code.

This offer is valid to anyone in receipt of this information.

ASUSTeK is eager to duly provide complete source code as required under various Free Open Source Software licenses. If however you encounter any problems in obtaining the full corresponding source code we would be much obliged if you give us a notification to the email address [e-mail], stating the product and describing the problem (please DO NOT send large attachments such as source code archives, etc. to this email address).

ii

Contents

Safety information......................................................................................................	vi
About this guide.........................................................................................................	vii
MAXIMUS X HERO specifications summary............................................................	ix
Package contents......................................................................................................	xv
Installation tools and components..........................................................................	xvi

Chapter 1:		Product Introduction
1.1	Motherboard overview...............................................................................		1-1
	1.1.1	Before you proceed.....................................................................	1-1
	1.1.2	Motherboard layout......................................................................	1-2
	1.1.3	Central Processing Unit (CPU)....................................................	1-4
	1.1.4	System memory...........................................................................	1-5
	1.1.5	Expansion slots............................................................................	1-7
	1.1.6	Onboard buttons and switches....................................................	1-9
	1.1.7	Jumper and holes......................................................................	1-13
	1.1.8	Onboard LEDs...........................................................................	1-14
	1.1.9	Internal connectors....................................................................	1-16

Chapter 2:		Basic Installation
2.1	Building your PC system...........................................................................		2-1
	2.1.1	CPU installation...........................................................................	2-1
	2.1.2	CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation................................	2-3
	2.1.3	Motherboard installation..............................................................	2-5
	2.1.4	DIMM installation.........................................................................	2-6
	2.1.5	ATX power connection.................................................................	2-7
	2.1.6	SATA device connection..............................................................	2-7
	2.1.7	Front I/O connector......................................................................	2-8
	2.1.8	Expansion card installation..........................................................	2-9
	2.1.9	M.2 installation...........................................................................	2-10
	2.1.10	Fan holder installation................................................................	2-11
2.2	BIOS update utility....................................................................................		2-12
2.3	Motherboard rear and audio connections..............................................		2-13
	2.3.1	Rear I/O connection...................................................................	2-13
	2.3.2	Audio I/O connections................................................................	2-15
2.4	Starting up for the first time....................................................................		2-17
2.5	Turning off the computer.........................................................................		2-17

iii

Chapter 3:		BIOS Setup
3.1	Knowing BIOS.............................................................................................		3-1
3.2	BIOS setup program...................................................................................		3-2
	3.2.1	Advanced Mode...........................................................................	3-3
	3.2.2	EZ Mode......................................................................................	3-6
	3.2.3	QFan Control...............................................................................	3-7
	3.2.4	EZ Tuning Wizard........................................................................	3-9
3.3	My Favorites..............................................................................................		3-12
3.4	Main menu.................................................................................................		3-14
3.5	Extreme Tweaker menu............................................................................		3-14
3.6	Advanced menu........................................................................................		3-16
	3.6.1	CPU Configuration.....................................................................	3-16
	3.6.2	Platform Misc Configuration.......................................................	3-17
	3.6.3	System Agent (SA) Configuration..............................................	3-17
	3.6.4	PCH Configuration.....................................................................	3-17
	3.6.5	PCH Storage Configuration.......................................................	3-17
	3.6.6	PCH-FW Configuration..............................................................	3-18
	3.6.7	ROG Effects...............................................................................	3-18
	3.6.8	Onboard Devices Configuration.................................................	3-18
	3.6.9	APM Configuration.....................................................................	3-20
	3.6.10	Network Stack Configuration.....................................................	3-20
	3.6.11	HDD/SSD SMART Information..................................................	3-20
	3.6.12	USB Configuration.....................................................................	3-20
3.7	Monitor menu............................................................................................		3-21
3.8	Boot menu.................................................................................................		3-21
3.9	Tool menu..................................................................................................		3-23
	3.9.1	ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility.............................................................	3-23
	3.9.2	Secure Erase.............................................................................	3-24
	3.9.3	ASUS Overclocking Profile........................................................	3-25
	3.9.4	ASUS SPD Information..............................................................	3-25
	3.9.5	Graphics Card Information.........................................................	3-25
3.10	Exit menu...................................................................................................		3-26
3.11	Updating BIOS..........................................................................................		3-27
	3.11.1	EZ Update..................................................................................	3-27
	3.11.2	ASUS EZ Flash 3.......................................................................	3-28
	3.11.3	ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3..........................................................	3-30

iv

Chapter 4:		RAID Support
4.1	RAID configurations...................................................................................		4-1
	4.1.1	RAID definitions ...........................................................................	4-1
	4.1.2	Installing storage devices ............................................................	4-2
	4.1.3	Intel ® Rapid Storage Technology in UEFI BIOS ..........................	4-2
	4.1.4	Intel ® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility ...................	4-6
4.2	Creating a RAID driver disk.....................................................................		4-10
	4.2.1	Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows ® .................................	4-10
Appendix
Q-Code table		.............................................................................................................	A-1
Notices	.....................................................................................................................		A-5
ASUS contact ......................................................................................information			A-9

v

Safety information

Electrical safety

•To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system.

•When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.

•Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all power cables are unplugged.

•Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.

•Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power company.

•If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified service technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

•Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals that came with the package.

•Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.

•To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.

•Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area where it may become wet.

•Place the product on a stable surface.

•If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your retailer.

vi

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

•Chapter 1: Product Introduction

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.

•Chapter 2: Basic Installation

This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components.

•Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

•Chapter 4: RAID Support

This chapter describes the RAID configurations.

Where to find more information

Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates.

1.ASUS website

The ASUS website (www.asus.com) provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products.

2.Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.

vii

Conventions used in this guide

To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.

DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task.

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

Typography

Bold text	Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics	Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key>	Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
	means that you must press the enclosed key.
	Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
	Return key.
<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3>	If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key
	names are linked with a plus sign (+).

viii

MAXIMUS X HERO specifications summary

		Intel® Socket 1151 for 8th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors
	CPU	Supports 14nm CPU
		Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*
		* Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU type.
	Chipset	Intel® Z370 Chipset
		4 x DIMM, Max. 64GB DDR4 4133+(OC)* / 4000(OC)* / 3866(OC)* /
		3733(OC)* / 3600(OC)* / 3466(OC)* / 3400(OC)* / 3333(OC)* /
		3300(OC)* / 3200(OC)* / 3000(OC)* / 2800(OC)* / 2666 / 2400 /
		2133 MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory
	Memory	Dual Channel Memory Architecture
		Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
		* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of
		individual CPUs.
		** Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List) for details.
		New 8th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors
		2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (supports x16, x8/x8)
		Intel® Z370 Chipset
	Expansion slots	1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (max. at x4 mode)*
		3 x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots
		* The PCIe x4_3 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIe x1_3 slot. The PCIe
		x4_3 slot is set to x2 mode by default.
		Integrated Graphics ProcessorIntel® HD Graphics support
		Multi-VGA output support : HDMI/DisplayPort
	Graphic	- Supports DisplayPort 1.2 with max. resolution 4096 x 2304 @
		60Hz
		- Supports HDMI 1.4b with max. resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 24Hz
		Maximum shared memory of 1024MB
	Multi-GPU support	Supports NVIDIA® 2-Way/Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology
		Supports AMD® 3-Way/Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
		Intel® I219-V Gigabit LANDual interconnect between the integrated
	LAN	Media Access Controller (MAC) and physical layer (PHY)
		Anti-surge LANGuard
		ROG GameFirst IV
		(continued on the next page)

ix

MAXIMUS X HERO specifications summary

		Intel® Z370 Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, and Intel Rapid
		Storage Technology support
		- 1 x M.2_1 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280
		(supports PCIE 3.0 x4 and SATA modes)*
		- 1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280
		(supports PCIE 3.0 x4 mode)**
	Storage	- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
		- Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology ***
		- Ready for Intel® Optane™ Memory
		* When the M.2_1 Socket 3 is operating in SATA mode, SATA port 1 will
		be disabled.
		** When the M.2_2 Socket 3 is operating in PCIEX4 mode, SATA port 5, 6
		will be disabled.
		*** This function will work depending on the CPU installed.

		ROG SupremeFX S1220 8-Channel High Definition Audio
		CODEC
		- Supports up to 32-Bit/192kHz playback*
		- Impedance sense for front and rear headphone outputs
		- ES9023P High Definition DAC
		- SupremeFX Shielding Technology
		- Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, and Front Panel Jack-retasking
	Audio	- Optical S/PDIF out port at back panel
		- High quality 120 dB SNR stereo playback output and 113 dB SNR
		recording input
		- Dual Headpone Amplifiers

		Audio Features:
		- Sonic Studio III
		- Sonic Radar III
		* Due to limitations in HDA bandwidth, 32-Bit/192kHz is not supported for
		8-channel audio.
		Intel® Z370 Chipset
		- 6 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports ( 4 ports at back panel [blue], 2 ports at
		mid-board)
		- 6 x USB 2.0 ports (2 ports at back panel [black], 4 ports at mid-
	USB	board)
		ASMedia® USB 3.1 Gen 2 controller
		- 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel connector
		- 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports (1 Type-A [red] and 1 Type-C [black] at
		back panel)
		(continued on the next page)

x

MAXIMUS X HERO specifications summary

Extreme Engine Digi+

-MicroFine Alloy Choke

-NexFET Power Block MOSFET

-10K Black Metallic Capacitors

OC Zone

-Start Button

-Reset Button

-Safe Boot Button

-ReTry Button

-LN2 Mode

-Slow Mode switch

Mem TweakIt

GameFirst IV

MemOK! Button

ROG RAMDisk

ROG RAMCache II

ROG Exclusive Features ROG CloneDrive

ROG CPU-Z

Overwolf

ROG Aura

-Aura Lighting Control

-Aura RGB Strip Headers

-Aura Addressable RGB Header

KeyBot II

-One-click overclocking

-DirectKey

-Clr CMOS

-Power On

UEFI BIOS features:

-Extreme Tweaker

-Tweakers’ Paradise

-ROG SSD Secure Erase

-O.C. Profile

(continued on the next page)

xi

MAXIMUS X HERO specifications summary

		ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 5
		- 5-Way Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates TPU, DIGI+
		Power Control, Fan Xpert 4, and Turbo App
		ASUS Exclusive Features
		- AI Suite 3
		- Disk Unlocker
		ASUS EZ DIY
		- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
		- ASUS EZ Flash 3
		- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
	Special Features	- MemOK!
		ASUS Q-Design
		- SafeSlot
		- Q-Code
		- Q-Connector
		- Q-LED (CPU[red], DRAM[yellow], VGA[white], Boot Device
		LED[green])
		- Q-DIMM
		BIOS Flashback Button
		Clear CMOS Button
		Pre-mounted IO Shield
		1 x Clear CMOS Button
		1 x BIOS Flashback Button
		1 x HDMI 1.4b
		1 x DisplayPort 1.2
	Back I/O Ports	2 x USB 2.0 ports [black]
		4 x USB 3.1 Gen1 ports [blue]
		1 x Anti-surge LAN (RJ45) port
		2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports (1 x Type-A [red] and 1 x Type-C™ [black])
		1 x Optical S/PDIF out
		5 x Gold-plated audio jacks
		(continued on the next page)

xii

MAXIMUS X HERO specifications summary

		2 x AURA RGB headers
		1 x AURA Addressable RGB header
		1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel connector
		1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 header supports additional 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1
		ports
		2 x USB 2.0 headers support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports
		6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
		1 x M.2_1 Socket 3 for M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices
		support (Supports PCIE 3.0 x4 and SATA modes)
		1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 for M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices
		support (Supports PCIE 3.0 x4 mode)
		1 x 4-Pin CPU fan connector
		1 x 4-Pin CPU_OPT fan connector
		3 x 4-Pin Chassis fan connectors
		1 x EXT_Fan header
		1 x 4-Pin W_PUMP+ connector
		1 x W_IN header
	Internal I/O Ports	1 x W_OUT header
		1 x W_FLOW header
		1 x 4-Pin AIO_PUMP connector
		1 x H_AMP fan connector
		1 x Thermal sensor connector
		1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
		1 x 8-pin EATX 12V power connector
		1 x Start button
		1 x Reset button
		1 x Safe Boot button
		1 x Retry button
		1 x LN2 mode jumper
		1 x Slow mode switch
		1 x MemOK! Button
		1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)
		1 x TPM connector
		1 x System panel connector
		3 x 3D Mount screw ports
		1 x 128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI3.0, WfM2.0,
		SM BIOS 3.0, ACPI 6.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash
	BIOS	3, CrashFree BIOS 3, F11 EZ Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control,
		F3 My Favorites, Last Modified log, F12 PrintScreen, F3 Shortcut
		functions and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory
		information.
	Manageability	WfM2.0, DMI3.0, WOL by PME, PXE
		(continued on the next page)

xiii

MAXIMUS X HERO specifications summary

	Drivers
	AURA
	ROG GameFirst IV
	ROG RAMDisk
	ROG RAMCache II
	ROG CPU-Z
	ROG Mem TweakIt
	Overwolf
Software	ROG Keybot II
	CloneDrive
	Kaspersky® Anti-Virus
	DAEMON Tools Software
	Winzip
	ASUS Utilities
	Sonic Studio III
	Sonic Radar III
	Fan Xpert 4
Operating System	Windows® 10 64-bit
Support
Form Factor	ATX Form Factor, 12”x 9.6” (30.5cm x 24.4cm)

Specifications are subject to change without notice. Please refer to the ASUS website for the latest specifications.

xiv

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard	ROG MAXIMUS X HERO
	1 x RGB LED extension cable
Cables	1 x RGB Addressable LED extension cable
	2 x 2-in-1 SATA 6Gb/s cables
	1 x SLI™ HB Bridge(2-way-M)
	1 x Q-Connector
	1 x ROG Coaster
	1 x 3D printing mount kit
Accessories	1 x 10-in-1 ROG cable label
	1 x CPU Installation Tool
	2 x 2-in-1 M.2 Screw set
	1 x ROG sticker
	1 x Fan holder
Application DVD	ROG motherboard support DVD
Documentation	User guide

If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

xv

Installation tools and components

1 Bag of screws

Phillips (cross) screwdriver

PC chassis

Power supply unit

Intel® LGA 1151 CPU

Intel® LGA 1151 compatible CPU Fan

DDR4 DIMM

SATA hard disk drive

SATA optical disc drive (optional)

Graphics card (optional)

The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package.

xvi

Product Introduction

1

1.1Motherboard overview

1.1.1Before you proceed

Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings.

•Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.

•Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to static electricity.

•Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.

•Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component.

•Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.

Chapter 1

ROG MAXIMUS X HERO

1-1

1.1.2Motherboard layout

1 Chapter

Refer to 1.1.9 Internal connectors and 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.

1-2	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots		Page
1.	ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)	1-20
2.	LGA1151 CPU Socket	1-4

3.CPU, CPU optional, high amp, extension, water pump+, AIO pump, and

	chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin H_AMP;	1-19
	5-pin EXT_FAN; 4-pin W_PUMP+; 4-pin AIO_PUMP; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-3)
4.	AURA RGB headers (4-pin RGB_HEADER1-2)	1-23
5.	DDR4 DIMM slots	1-5
6.	Q-Code LED	1-15
7.	MemOK! button	1-10
8.	3D Mount	1-13
9.	USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel connector (U31G2_E3)	1-17
10.	M.2 sockets (M.2_1; M.2_2)	1-25
11.	Intel® Z370 Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12; SATA6G_34;	1-16
	SATA6G_56)
12.	Water in, water out, and water flow connectors	1-25
	(2-pin W_IN; 2-pin W_OUT; 3-pin W_FLOW)
13.	System panel connectors (10-1 pin F_PANEL; 4-pin SPEAKER)	1-21
14.	USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB910; USB1112)	1-18
15.	Thermal sensor connector (2-pin T_SENSOR)	1-22
16.	USB 3.1 Gen 1 connector (20-1 pin U31G1_12)	1-17
17.	TPM connector (14-1 pin TPM)	1-26
18.	LN2 Mode jumper (3-pin LN2_MODE)	1-13
19.	Slow Mode switch (SLOW_MODE)	1-12
20.	ReTry button (RETRY_BUTTON)	1-11
21.	Safe Boot button (SAFE_BOOT)	1-11
22.	RESET button (RESET)	1-9
23.	Power-on button (START)	1-9
24.	Addressable RGB header (4-1 pin ADD_HEADER)	1-24
25.	Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)	1-18
26.	LED connector (5-pin LED2_CON1)	1-22

Chapter 1

ROG MAXIMUS X HERO

1-3

1.1.3Central Processing Unit (CPU)

This motherboard supports the New 8th Gen Intel® Core™ processors on the LGA1151 package, with memory and PCI Express controllers integrated to support dual-channel (4 DIMM) DDR4 memory and 16 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 lanes.

1 Chapter

Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1151 socket only. DO NOT install a CPU designed for LGA1150, LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets in the LGA1151 socket.

•Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.

•Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard components. ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/ transit-related.

•Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the LGA1151 socket.

•The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect removal of the PnP cap.

1-4	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.1.4System memory

The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 4 (DDR4) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots.

A DDR4 module is notched differently from a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 module. DO NOT install a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 memory module to the DDR4 slot.

Recommended memory configurations

Chapter 1

ROG MAXIMUS X HERO

1-5

1 Chapter

Memory configurations

You may install 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB, and 16 GB unbuffered and non ECC DDR4 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.

• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module. Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value.

•For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

•Always install the DIMMS with the same CAS Latency. For an optimum compatibility, we recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or data code (D/C) from the same vendor. Check with the vendor to get the correct memory modules.

1-6	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.1.5Expansion slots

Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

Slot No. Slot Description

1PCIe x1_1 slot

2PCIe x16/x8_1 slot

3PCIe x1_2 slot

4 PCIe x8_2 slot

5 PCIe x1_3 slot

6 PCIe x4_3 slot

Chapter 1

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1 Chapter

	PCIe operating mode
VGA Configuration
	PCIe_x16/x8_1		PCIe_x8_2
Single VGA/PCIe card	x16 (Recommend for single VGA)		N/A
Dual VGA/PCIe card	x8		x8

			PCIe operating mode
PCIe Lane
		Auto mode		x4 mode
PCIe_x1_3		x1		Disabled
PCIe_x4_3		x2		x4

•We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ or SLI™ mode.

•Connect chassis fans to the motherboard chassis fan connectors when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.

PCIe_x16/x8_1 slot switches to x8 mode when PCIe_x8_2 slot is occupied.

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1.1.6Onboard buttons and switches

Onboard buttons and switches allow you to fine-tune performance when working on a bare or open-case system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to enhance system performance.

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1.

Power-on button (START)

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The motherboard comes with a power-on button that allows you to power up or wake

up the system. The button also lights up when the system is plugged to a power source

indicating that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before

removing or installing any motherboard component.

2.RESET button (RESET)

Press the reset button to reboot the system.

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	3. MemOK! button (MemOK!)
	Installing DIMMs that are not compatible with the motherboard may cause system
	boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK! button lights continuously. Press
1 Chapter	and hold the MemOK! button until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to begin automatic
	memory compatibility tuning for successful boot.

•Refer to section 1.1.8 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the DRAM_LED.

•The DRAM_LED also lights up when the DIMM is not properly installed. Turn off the system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! function.

•The MemOK! button does not function under Windows® OS environment.

•During the tuning process, the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings. It takes about 30 seconds for the system to test one set of failsafe settings. If the test fails, the system reboots and test the next set of failsafe settings. The blinking speed of the DRAM_LED increases, indicating different test processes.

•Due to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each timing set is tested. If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. Replace the DIMMs with ones recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) at www.asus.com.

•If you turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during the tuning process, the system continues memory tuning after turning on the computer. To stop memory tuning, turn off the computer and unplug the power cord for about 5–10 seconds.

•If your system fails to boot up due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! button to boot and load the BIOS default settings. A message will appear during POST reminding you that the BIOS has been restored to its default settings.

•We recommend that you download and update to the latest BIOS version from www.asus.com after using the MemOK! function.

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4.	Safe Boot button (SAFE_BOOT)
	The Safe Boot button can be pressed anytime to force the system to reboot into the
	BIOS safe mode. This button temporarily applies safe settings to the BIOS while
	retaining any overclocked settings allowing you to modify the settings causing boot	1
	failure. Use this button when overclocking or tweaking the settings of your system.
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5.ReTry button (RETRY_BUTTON)

The ReTry button is specially designed for overclockers and is most useful during the booting process where the Reset button is rendered useless. When pressed, it forces the system to reboot while retaining the same settings to be retried in quick succession to achieve a successful POST.

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6.	Slow Mode Switch (SLOW_MODE)
	Slow Mode Switch is employed during LN2 benching. The system may crash due to
	the CPU being unstable when using extreme overclocking, enabling slow mode will
1 Chapter	decrease the processor frequency and stabilize the system, allowing overclockers to
	keep track of their overclocking data.

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Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.1.7Jumper and holes

1. LN2 Mode jumper (3-pin LN2_MODE)

With LN2 mode activated, the ROG motherboard is optimized to remedy the cold-boot bug during POST and help the system boot successfully.

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2.3D Mount

Secure 3D printed parts to these 3D Mount holes for a personalized motherboard.

•Download 3D source files at http://www.asus.com.

•Use the bundled 3D Mount screws to install the 3D printed parts.

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1.1.8Onboard LEDs

	1.	Q LEDs (CPU, DRAM, VGA, BOOT)
		Q LEDs check key components (CPU, DRAM, VGA card, and booting devices) in
	1Chapter	sequence during motherboard booting process. If an error is found, the corresponding
		LED remains lit until the problem is solved. This user-friendly design provides an
		intuitive way to locate the root problem within seconds.

The Q LEDs provide the most probable cause of an error code as a starting point for troubleshooting. The actual cause may vary from case to case.

2.Hard Disk LED (HD_LED)

The Hard Disk LED is designed to indicate the hard disk activity. It blinks when data is being written into or read from the hard disk drive. The LED does not light up when there is no hard disk drive connected to the motherboard or when the hard disk drive does not function.

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Chapter 1: Product Introduction